The nurse is taking care of a patient with high cholesterol and triglyceride values

Question

In teaching the patient about therapeutic lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, the nurse realizes that the desired goal for cholesterol levels is:
A) High HDL values and high triglyceride values
B) Low soluble fiber
C) Elevated blood lipids, fasting glucose less than 100
D) Low LDL values and high HDL values

Answer 1

Ans: D
Feedback: The desired goal for cholesterol readings is for a patient to have low LDL and high HDL values. LDL exerts a harmful effect on the coronary vasculature because the small LDL particles can be easily transported into the vessel lining. In contrast, HDL promotes the use of total cholesterol by transporting LDL to the liver, where it is excreted. Triglyceride is another fatty substance made up of fatty acids and is transported through the blood. Elevated triglyceride is also a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease as well as insulin resistance (fasting glucose over 100). The goal is to also keep triglyceride levels less than 150 mg/dL and fasting glucose less than 100 mg/dL. Soluble dietary fiber is not a value measured in the bloodstream; however, it is found in fresh fruits, cereal grains, and vegetables. It has been known to enhance the excretion of metabolized cholesterol.